Classical Oman – 7 Nights, 8 Days

DAY 01: ARRIVE MUSCAT

On arrival at Muscat International Airport, meet & greet by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure for own activities. Check-in time is 1400hrs.

Overnight at Muscat | Meals included: None

DAY 02: MUSCAT

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a half day city tour of Muscat.

Highlights of the tour: The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman's Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country's rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.

This afternoon is at leisure for own activities. You may choose an optional sunset cruise through the harbour of Muscat. Please contact us for details & price.

Overnight at Muscat | Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 03: MUSCAT - BIMMAH - FINS - WADI TIWI - SUR/RAS AL JINZ

Check-out from the hotel in the morning & board the 4WD vehicles to start your fascinating round tour of Oman. Drive through beautiful countryside along the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Short before Quriyat, we turn off to the new highway along the coast. We pass by white sandy beaches and rocky coves, stopping at Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater, Fins Beach with its beautiful white sand, Wadi Shab, fed by fresh water that flows from mountain springs. By passing through Tiwi, a picturesque fishing village, we reach Qalhat, an ancient port and trading city. At the turn of the century Qalhat became Oman's export port for Liquefied Natural Gas.

Our today's destination is the fishing town of Sur, the eastern most town on the Arabian Peninsula, where until recently the famous Omani Dhows were built. Dhow building in Sur dates back centuries and is closely linked with the maritime heritage of Oman. From Sur too, in the old days, the Omanis were sailing the seas, mainly to India.

We will set out for a tour around town and later in the evening we will drive to Ras Al Jinz to see the endangered green sea turtles come to nest on the beach (2100 hrs - 23 00 hrs).

Overnight at Sur/Ras Al Hadd | Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 04: SUR/RAS AL HADD - WADI BANI KHALID - WAHIBA SANDS - NIZWA

Check-out & leave Sur. Not too far away is Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. The wadi has clear deep blue water and counts among the few wadis of Oman that hold water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oases where it sustains the typical date palms. The pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid cling precariously to the rugged mountainside.

Continue driving to Al Sharqiyah region. Now the nature of the landscape will change dramatically - we reach the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see. It is also host to a variety of flora and fauna and one of the largest areas of pure sand desert in the world and the traditional home of the nomadic Bedouin.  Camels are a common sight moving through the sands.

After a short dune drive, proceed to Nizwa - the cultural capital of Oman.

Overnight at Nizwa | Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 05: NIZWA - JABRIN - BAHLA - AL HAMRA

Morning we depart on a full day trip to the historical & heritage capital of Oman - visit the round tower Fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman and Nizwa Souq where potteries, gold & silver wares are sold. There after proceed to visit Jabrin Castle built in 17^th century, with magnificent plasterwork, wooden carvings; painted ceiling makes this castle amazingly different. Later drive onwards to visit Bahla, the mystical village, known for Arabian potteries. Visit one of the pottery making units. (Closed on public holidays and Fridays). You also visit the majestic Bahla Fort, recently opened to public after a long restoration.

Overnight at Al Hamra | Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 06: AL HAMRA - WADI BANI AWF - MUSCAT - SALALAH

After breakfast visit Al Hamra village, one of the oldest villages & up to 400 years old mud houses is still occupied. Also visit the Al Hamra Falaj system. Later drive to Muscat crossing the off road track of Wadi Bani Awf. We have photo stops at the villages of Bilad Sayt and Hatt en route.

Drop off to Muscat International Airport to connect the evening flight to Salalah.

Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay at Salalah | Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 07: FULL DAY TOUR OF EAST & WEST SALALAH

Today's excursion begins in the morning with a visit to the old fishing village of 'Taqah', famous for the manufacture of 'Dried Sardines' & its traditional & old  'Dhofari Houses'. Visit the century old 'Taqah Castle', the former official residence of the 'Wali' (Governor) of the region & obtain a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). The city was the easternmost outpost of the Hadramawt Kingdom on the ancient incense route between the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and India. Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub & harbour for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site).

A picturesque drive then leads you to 'Mirbat', the ancient capital of Dhofar and the beginning of the 'Frankincense trail'. Stroll through the streets lined with old Omani mud houses & visit the 'twin-domed Bin Ali's Tomb' as a photo stop …a classic example of medieval architecture. On our way back to western Salalah, explore the natural spring of 'Ayn Razat', beautifully laid out amidst the tranquil lush mountains & nourished every day of the year by natural underground spring water.

Thereafter we proceed to 'Qara' mountains to explore the western part of Salalah. On a road steadily winding up a steep incline, herds of Camels & Cattle are a common sight which gives a scenic view of a traditional Dhofari rural beauty. Visit the ancient tomb of 'Prophet Job' situated in the scenic green mountains of the Salalah Plains. Experience the legendary story of Prophet Job and his devoutness.

Proceed to the beach of Mughsail where the white sand touches the deep blue of the ocean & at high tide, where waves burst through the natural titanic 'Blow Holes', at the far end of the 'Rocky beach' with a cave-like entrance. We thereafter continue along the 'Hair-pin-bend' road towards Western Border of Oman, with its breathtaking cliffs on either side, to see the historical 'Frankincense trees' growing in their natural habitat, deep down in the valleys, dotting the dry & craggy countryside.

We take a short walk into the valleys to smell the 'Holy Incense' amidst the scenic view of the region. On our return journey we make a photo stop at the lagoon at Mughsail where migratory birds - occasionally flamingos - are a common sight. Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay at Salalah - Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 08: MORNING CITY TOUR & TRANSFER TO AIRPORT

Check-out from the hotel & proceed to visit "The Museum of the Frankincense Land". Opened in July 2007 at Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman's heritage and cultural scene. (Opened Sun - Thu 8:00 - 14:00 & 16:00 - 20:00, Fri- Sat 14:00 - 21:00). It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall, depicting the geography, history of the ancient Frankincense trail and the historical background of the Sultanate through a number of archaeological findings, and The Marine Hall, featuring displays about the development of Oman's rich marine history. A complete history of the Maritime trade & ship building industry of Oman could be experienced here, with meticulously carved replicas of the ancient boats & ships of the Omani Maritime trade.

Drive through lush green plantations of vegetables & fruits. Make a brief stop to taste a fresh coconut water drink at fruit stalls (at own cost) lining the streets within the periphery of the old Salalah town (Haffa). Make a Photo stop at the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque.

View the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan (Al Husn Palace) & stroll through the old Haffa Souk, famous for the sale of high quality Frankincense & numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. The smell of frankincense fills the Souk. Haffa Souk is very attractive with its small shops lined up with straight piles of incense boxes, clay incense burners colourfully decorated with traditional patterns and bags of incense crystals. This gives us an ample opportunity for shopping.

Later, drop-off at Salalah Airport to continue your onward journey with beautiful memories of Oman.

Meals included: Breakfast